Ever thought of spending some time across the border to the north? Canada wants both digital nomads and tech-savvy job-seekers to consider working in the country, and has made it easier with its new Tech Talent Strategy.
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), recently announced the new plan to attract global tech talent to the country with a four-fold approach including streamlining work permits for H-1B visa holders and promoting Canada as a destination for digital nomads, those lucky folks who can work remotely from anywhere in the world.
Digital nomads can spend up to six months in Canada with simple visitor status while working remotely for a foreign employer. The IRCC hopes to work with public and private partners to make digital nomad residency in the country more attractive, and ultimately hopes that these nomads will choose to stay and seek employment within the country.
A more aggressive aspect of the initiative will make it easier for skilled U.S. workers to enter and find work in the country. Many specialized tech workers in the U.S. hold H-1B specialty occupation visas, and as of July 16, 2023, thes visa holders, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada. If approved, they will receive an open work permit of up to three years.
Other elements of the Tech Talent Strategy include improving programs that cater to skilled workers in the tech industry and a path to permanent residence for entrepreneurs from abroad who gain the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor organization or business incubator for their start-up.
Find more information about the new initiatives here.